Golf's Asian tour has already suspended the Saudi International indefinitely and should F1 feel that the safety of teams or fans is compromised, they are set to follow suit, despite the financial hit they will take. The United States is pulling their diplomats out of the region amid the possibility that US President Trump joins the attacks on the Houthis and launches fresh strikes on Iran.

That action could intensify the conflict, with Trump having previously scaled back activities ahead of the midterm elections on November 3. With the House of Representatives and a third of the Senate up for reelection, it is an important moment for Trump, and it may have influenced his plans.

The region remains volatile and Imola has been touted as an alternative venue to finish the season. Red Bull star Max Verstappen has expressed his concerns over travelling to an area in the proximity of war.

“Normally I am happy to go to Qatar and Abu Dhabi, but you know, when there is a war nearby, and if some of the countries are in conflict with each other, then I think we shouldn’t go,” he told ViaPlay. “Then, it doesn’t matter if you have a contract or not, I think. But it’s not up to me.”

"We had a meeting with the Abu Dhabi promoters, and we've already sold 99% of the tickets. There's a great deal of enthusiasm.

"This confirms that we must continue in this way, with the assurance that everything is in order. We are keeping the teams and drivers fully informed of the situation, without any filters. We have an excellent relationship. And I have the responsibility, along with the FIA, to make the right decision. That's what we've decided to do."

This weekend sees the teams in Austin, Texas, as the racers head across the Americas to Mexico and Brazil, before returning to the US for the Las Vegas Grand Prix next month. That takes place a week before the drivers are scheduled to race in Qatar.